Ultrasonic prostate probe assembly

Abstract

An ultrasonic prostate probe assembly is disclosed, characterized by the ultrasonic transducer being carried upon a gimbal cup which is rotatably mounted to the probe assembly to allow selection of multiple sector scan directions during operation of the probe. The transducer is pivoted via a spring biased cable linkage connected to a linear motor having an electric coil as the reciprocating moving member. Selective rotation of the gimbal cup is effectuated by manipulation of an additional cable linkage extending axially through the probe assembly. The use of multiple sector scan directions allows improved identification and sizing of problematic body tissue in applications such as prostate applications where space constraints prevent manipulation of the probe into differing scanning positions.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An ultrasonic probe assembly comprising: a housing;   ultrasonic transducer means pivotally disposed within said housing for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves; means coupled to said ultrasonic transducer means for defining a scanning axis therefore   motor means for generating a reciprocating motion for pivoting said transducer means about said scanning axis;   means for biasing said transducer means in a first pivotal direction about said scanning axis;   a flexible linkage extending between said motor means and said transducer means for translating reciprocal motion of said motor means to pivotal motion of said transducer means about said scanning axis; and   means for selectively rotating said means for defining a scanning axis to enable pivoting of said transducer means in multiple scanning directions within said housing.   
     
     
       2. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 1 wherein said transducer means is mounted upon a support member rotatably mounted within said housing. 
     
     
       3. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 2 further comprising a linkage mounted to said support membeer to rotate said support member into multiple rotational orientations. 
     
     
       4. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 3 wherein said linkage comprises a cable extending within said housing. 
     
     
       5. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 4 further comprising at least one pulley means mounted within said housing for guiding said cable within said housing. 
     
     
       6. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 4 wherein said selective rotating means comprises a turn wheel mounted to said housing and connected to said cable. 
     
     
       7. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 6 wherein said flexible linkage comprises a cable. 
     
     
       8. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 7 further comprising: an expansible bladder mounted within a portion of said housing adjacent said transducer; and   flow channel means formed in said housing for supplying fluid to said expansible bladder.   
     
     
       9. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 8 further comprising a valve disposed upon said housing for controlling the introduction and exit of fluid in said flow channel means. 
     
     
       10. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 2 further comprising means mounted on said support member for biasing said support member in a first rotational direction. 
     
     
       11. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 10 wherein said support member biasing means comprises a spring. 
     
     
       12. The ultrasonic probe assembly of claim 1 wherein said transducer biasing means comprises a spring.